Competition Mode ???

I saw in an article I can put my 2013 ATS 3.6 Auto AWD in a Competition Mode !!!! Is this done by just deactivating stability track and traction control and keeping it in Sport Mode ? Can't really notice a difference from Sport Mode versus Tour Mode. RPM's should go a little higher when switching into Sport Mode, no ??. Is there REALLY a difference or is Caddy pulling my chain ?

If so, push it once to turn off traction control. Push it twice to then reduce the Stabilitrak threshold to about 50%. This mode will allow you a lot of freedom and car rotation. Enough to get really loose on a road course or autocross. But it will still save your bacon.

If you push the TC button once and then release and hold it down, you can turn all nannies off. As in, you're on your own...

Re: Competition Mode ???

Its odd that in my 2.0 when you put it in sport and turn T/C off a shift light will come on at high RPM's, but I've never seen it do it with TC/touring mode on. Must have something to do with a sport mode.. but being a stick and T/C turned off I really have no nannies lol.

If so, push it once to turn off traction control. Push it twice to then reduce the Stabilitrak threshold to about 50%. This mode will allow you a lot of freedom and car rotation. Enough to get really loose on a road course or autocross. But it will still save your bacon.

If you push the TC button once and then release and hold it down, you can turn all nannies off. As in, you're on your own...

Re: Competition Mode ???

Originally Posted by thebigjimsho

I assume you have a traction control button on your steering wheel?

If so, push it once to turn off traction control. Push it twice to then reduce the Stabilitrak threshold to about 50%. This mode will allow you a lot of freedom and car rotation. Enough to get really loose on a road course or autocross. But it will still save your bacon.

If you push the TC button once and then release and hold it down, you can turn all nannies off. As in, you're on your own...

On the CTS-V this is true but not on the ATS, at least not the 3.6 AWD. On the ATS that position is for the heated steering wheel if so equipped. The Traction Control button is located right behind the shift lever just to the left of the infamous "Mode" button and has the squiggly car icon on it with the word “off"“under it. It also works a little different. Starting from the traction control on:

A.)The first push turns off the traction control and you will see the amber "TC" icon illuminate just to the left of the "6" on the tach.

B.)If you push it again, the traction control will be turned back on and the icon will be turned off.

C.) If you push the button and hold it down (10 -15 seconds) it will turn off the traction control and also "disable" the stabiltrak. Now the "TC" icon will be illuminated as in A and the amber stabiltrak icon will also be illuminated. This icon is the same as what is on the button and is locate a little to the right and a bit lower than the "TC" in the tach display.

Both A & B will give a message in the DIC but C only gives the message “Traction Control Off “ without any mention of the stabiltrak

Not sure if this totally "disables" the stabiltrak as apparently the competition mode does on the CTS-V.

On the CTS-V this is true but not on the ATS, at least not the 3.6 AWD. On the ATS that position is for the heated steering wheel if so equipped. The Traction Control button is located right behind the shift lever just to the left of the infamous "Mode" button and has the squiggly car icon on it with the word off"under it. It also works a little different. Starting from the traction control on:

A.)The first push turns off the traction control and you will see the amber "TC" icon illuminate just to the left of the "6" on the tach.

B.)If you push it again, the traction control will be turned back on and the icon will be turned off.

C.) If you push the button and hold it down (10 -15 seconds) it will turn off the traction control and also "disable" the stabiltrak. Now the "TC" icon will be illuminated as in A and the amber stabiltrak icon will also be illuminated. This icon is the same as what is on the button and is locate a little to the right and a bit lower than the "TC" in the tach display.

Both A & B will give a message in the DIC but C only gives the message Traction Control Off  without any mention of the stabiltrak

Not sure if this totally "disables" the stabiltrak as apparently the competition mode does on the CTS-V.

Hope this helps.

For reference and comparison, this is straight out of the CTS manual.

Competitive Driving Mode

To select this optional handling mode, press the TCS/StabiliTrak button quickly two times and
STABILITRAK COMPETITIVE MODE displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC). While in the StabiliTrak Competitive Mode,
the StabiliTrak Off light comes on, TCS does not limit wheel spin, and more effort is required to turn the
steering wheel. Adjust your driving accordingly.

Press the TCS/StabiliTrak button again, or turn the ignition to
ACC/ACCESSORY and restart the vehicle, to turn TCS back on and turn the TCS/StabiliTrak warning light off.

Notice: When traction control is
turned off, or Competitive Driving
Mode is active, it is possible to lose traction. If you attempt to shift with the drive wheels
spinning with a loss of traction, it is possible to cause damage to the transmission. Do not attempt to shift when the drive wheels do
not have traction. Damage caused by misuse of the vehicle is not covered. See the warranty book for additional information.

Re: Competition Mode ???

Re: Competition Mode ???

For my 2.0 premium the only way to get to the actual competitive mode is to first put the car into sport. When it's in sport mode you get the normal on / off / competitive. In touring mode you just get on / off. Holding the TC down shuts off everything in both touring and sport though.